Overall

This rating is the expert's opinion on the overall appeal of the hotel. As well as taking in to account the category ratings, it will reflect other factors, such as the hotel's atmosphere.

Location

This rating shows how appealing the hotel is for a leisure traveller. For example, for a city hotel it will take in to account how convenient the hotel's location is for sights, restaurants and public transport.

Value for money

This rating shows how good value the hotel is compared with other hotels of similar standard in that destination.

Leisure facilities

This rating reflects the extent and quality of facilities on offer, such as a swimming pool, spa, bikes for hire, or perhaps the hotel's own guided tours.

Where there is no rating, this is because the hotel doesn't offer the service or facility.

Best for Value for money - Expert review of SACO Bath Apartments

Last updated 27 December 2010

Smart serviced apartments near Bath’s city centre spa attractions.

I was sceptical about including serviced apartments in my Top 20, but upon visiting I found them to be smart, trendy and spacious places to stay, which can be a bargain in an expensive city like Bath. Visitors can stay from one night to a year – now I'm even considering moving there myself.

Location:

SACO apartments are in pretty Georgian terraced houses along St James Parade (don’t let your sat nav take you to St James Square!) in the heart of town, just behind the new SouthGate shopping complex and close to Thermae Bath Spa. Signage is subtle and you might miss the discreet entrance at first.

Bedrooms:

Apartments come as studio, one and two bed options – some have their own front door. Decor is cool and contemporary with muted oatmeal walls and laminate flooring covered with brightly-patterned rugs. There’s plenty of space to make yourself at home and like in hotels, you’ll find flatscreen TVs, DVD players, but you also get a fully-equipped kitchen, washer/dryer and ironing board.

When I travel on a small budget I find that having space to cook meals (or just grab breakfast and make a packed lunch) makes a real difference as you can save up for posh evening meals. So thumbs up from me for the self-catering aspect of SACO apartments.

Service:

Apartments are fully serviced, so your linen and towels get changed just like in a hotel.

Obviously the apartments suit those coming for a longer stay, but they are also popular with British friends who want to spend time together and go out on the town, business people in Bath for extended periods and couples on a budget. Savvy international guests who are used to serviced apartments are also catching on to the benefits of using them for short breaks.

Price advice:

SACO apartments are just around the corner from the Thermae Bath Spa and they offer discounted spa time and other packages. There are a few parking spaces available for a charge, but these fill up quickly – it’s only five minutes from the train station though.